Everything you need to know about buying a home.
KAREN MAI
Your
Your
Your
Investing in a home is one of the most important decisions you'll make. So much more than a roof over your head, your home is where life unfolds and memories are made, all while building a financial foundation for your future.
Deciding how you'll navigate your journey to homeownership is equally critical to the agent you work with. As someone who's been in your spot before, I'm familiar with what's cycling through your mind, and as a real estate agent, I've mastered the ins and outs of the buying process. When you work with me, you'll benefit from my experience, and together we'll work toward making sound, smart decisions for your future.
Why is that important to you?
What's the one thing that has to happen to make that dream scenario a reality? How can I make that happen for you? Your needs drive how and when we find your next home. From this day forward, everything I do will be motivated by your goals and how you imagine your life taking place in your new home. Once I get an understanding of where you see yourself, finding your dream home will move quickly, and with minimal interruption to your daily life.
If we could add just one more thing to make this process even better, what would it be?
Why is that important to you?
When middle-of-the-night questions come up or you want real-time information about the status of your transaction, Guide gives you the tools to anticipate and act on every step of the buying process. Paired with my expertise, you'll have everything you need to light your way home.
Find your dream home in whatever way works best for you. Whether by neighborhood, school district, ZIP code, and more, my app has the tools to flex with your needs, even when your search extends nationally.
Get real-time stats on specific communities and go deeper to see what makes them tick. From the locals' favorite coffee shop to the book club that meets once a week, you'll get an idea of what it's like to actually live there.
Your search results will be filled with homes you want to save … and some you'd rather forget. My app lets you “favorite” the homes you love and hide the ones you don't. Create Collections to organize your favorites so you can share and find them with ease and discuss with whomever you please.
Ready to download my app?
Head to app.kw.com/KW3NERZYM
My app makes achieving your homeownership goals more accessible than ever before. So much more than search, its industry-leading feature set and rich insights will prepare you to handle (and enjoy) the entire journey. Get to know my favorite features before you take it for a spin.
The what, the when, the how - let's talk about the best way to get in touch.
Have you considered who my main contact will be?
What timeline would you like to strive for?
Have you looked into getting pre-approved for a home loan?
Have you thought about the price range you'd be comfortable with?
If I found a home today that checked all of your boxes, could you see yourself making a move sooner rather than later?
What is your favorite way to receive information or updates? Select all that apply.
Email Call Text
What is the best time to reach you? Select all that apply.
Morning Noon
Afternoon
Evening Anytime
As updates arise, how often do you prefer to be notified?
ASAP
In a few hours
That day
Every few days
Who will be living in this home? Let's list adults, children, and pets that will inhabit the space.
What are the non-negotiables for your home?
If you had to name your top five non-negotiables, what would they be?
Beyond your top five needs, what is something you really want?
Do you have a preference for the year the house was built?
Do you want a house in move-in condition or are you willing to do some work on it?
When people visit your home, what do you want it to say about you?
Are there any specific features that would make your next house feel instantly like home?
Will you require any accessibility options?
What type of home are you looking for (e.g., single-family, condo, town house, etc.)?
Approximately what square footage would adequately cover your living space?
How many stories would you prefer?
What lot size are you looking for?
What architectural styles are you drawn to?
What type of exterior siding appeals to you?
Do you want a porch, deck, or both?
What are you looking for in terms of a garage (e.g., attached, carport, etc.)?
What type of driveway or vehicle entrance/exit will you require?
Do you want a swimming pool or a hot tub?
Are you looking for any structures such as a greenhouse or shed?
Do you need special outdoor arrangements for pets? (e.g., a dog run, fenced-in yard, etc.)
What other exterior features are important to you?
What style do you envision for the interior of your home (e.g., formal, casual, cozy, traditional, minimalist, modern, etc.)?
What kind of floor plan do you prefer (e.g., open vs. walls or divided living spaces)?
In general, what are your preferences for the interior?
How many bathrooms do you need?
What are your needs for each of the bathrooms?
Will any bathroom need to serve a specific purpose (powder room, swimming pool access, fit for small children, accessibility specifications)?
How many bedrooms do you need?
How will each of those rooms be used?
What are your preferences for the owner's suite?
What are your general preferences for the kitchen?
What features must your kitchen have (e.g., breakfast nook, types of appliances, etc.)?
What finishes do you like (e.g., countertops, flooring, cupboards, sink, appliances, etc.)?
Will your kitchen need to accommodate anything with custom measurements (beverage cooler, island, farmhouse sink, butcher block countertop)?
What are your general preferences for your living and family room(s)?
What size room(s) do you have in mind?
Do you prefer your living and family room(s) to be separate and intended for different purposes?
Do you want a fireplace?
What other living areas are you looking for? [e.g., playroom for children, studio, mud room]
What else do you see for living areas?
Would you like the dining room to be part of the kitchen configuration?
What about the living room - how should it be situated with regard to the dining room?
What size dining room table do you have? Is there other dining room furniture I should take into account?
What neighborhoods or areas would you enjoy living in?
Are there any specific streets or characteristics in these neighborhoods you're drawn to?
If applicable, what school districts do you prefer?
Where do you work?
Where are your favorite places to shop? What other conveniences would you like nearby?
What do you like to do for fun? Are there any recreational facilities that you enjoy?
Any other considerations I should be aware of as we find your ideal neighborhood?
My hyper-filtered search extends nationwide, beyond the bounds of traditional MLS. With layers of options never experienced before, my app allows you to search by neighborhood and school district (or whatever works best for you) revealing the insights that matter most. Save searches, favorite homes, and collaborate. Get notifications whenever a good fit becomes available, wherever you are.
Download my app here:
app.kw.com/KW3NERZYM
Your neighborhood is an extension of your home. Neighbors, surroundings, and access to everyday things can and should factor into your decision. Based on what you've shared so far, I pulled real-time stats and insights to compare a few areas. Once we narrow down the neighborhoods you're most interested in, I'll send you information on homes that look like a good fit.
Always remember that you can search, save, and organize your favorites on my site, www.SFRealEstateHomes.com
There's only one right answer: When you find a home that you love.
Inventory and the economy will wax and wane, but when you find a house you can see yourself in, the timing is just right. Below, take a comparative look at neighborhoods with inventory that fits your preferences.
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Absorb their local insight
Get to know neighborhood inventory levels
See what's about to hit the market
Gain access to off-market properties
Review market averages
Complete needs assessment
Understand what you can afford
Determine your monthly mortgage payment
Understand your debt ratio
Prepare for escrow
Obtain a pre-approval letter
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Compare home and neighborhood averages, then narrow down the neighborhoods you want to live in
Favorite homes and save them to collections
Nix homes that don't meet the mark
Schedule home tours and plan an itinerary with your agent
Decide on your dream home
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Review contract terms and time limit for offer
Negotiate purchase price
Choose a title company
Shop home insurance options
Prepare for down payment, earnest money
Choose a target closing date
Sign the offer
Deliver escrow check
Stay in close contact with your agent
Secure a home loan
*more details to follow
Acquire home insurance and send proof to your lender. Keller Covered streamlines finding the best insurance to fit your needs
Request a list of what conveys with the property
Schedule home inspection and negotiate repairs
Acquire a property disclosure from the seller
Order an appraisal
Neutralize contingencies. Input any contingencies that may be specific to your area
Conduct a title search
Choose your title company
Schedule your closing
Solidify both contract effective and allowable move-in dates
Certify funds for closing
Stay in close contact with your agent, lender, and title company
Transfer funds for closing
Reserve a moving company and set a moving date
Change your address through USPS, your bank, and other instances
Set up your utilities to be activated or transferred
Confirm that all contigencies are resolved
Schedule the final property walk-through
Designate a safe, dedicated space to save your final paperwork
Stay in close contact with your agent, lender, and title company
Connect with your lender to wire down payment funds. You'll need to cover the cost of closing and the down payment. Bring a printed confirmation of your wire transfer
Government-issued Photo ID(s)
Social Security numbers
Home addresses from the last 10 years
Proof of homeowner's insurance
Your copy of the contract
Your checkbook
Sign closing disclosure, promissory note, and all other documentation
Title transfer
Deed delivery
Save your paperwork in your pre-designated spot
Get your keyscongrats, it's all yours!
Stay in touch with your agent for current or future recommendations regarding your new home.
Use the Guide feature in my app to find step-by-step, on-demand information throughout your purchase.
CONGRATS! YOU'RE APPROVED FOR A LOAN! Follow these tips to protect your loan.
HOME LOANS AT A GLANCE
Get pre-approved for your loan
Apply for a mortgage Get your home appraised Your loan goes through underwriting
You’re cleared to close!
✓ Notify your lender of any address change, whether it's your home address or another listed on your application
✓
✓
Notify your lender of any salary or wage changes
Be prepared to provide proof of significant bank deposits
Acquire homeowner's insurance immediately after going under contract
Keep all forms of debt paid and in check
✘
Make large purchases using existing credit without first talking to your lender
Apply for or acquire any additional lines of credit
Pay off, transfer, or close credit balances unless your lender instructs you to do so
Change jobs without first talking to your lender
Co-sign for another person seeking to obtain a line of credit or to make a purchase
Pay off collections before conferring with your lender
A month's worth of your most recent pay stubs
Copies of your federal tax returns and W-2’s from the last two years
The names and addresses of your employers over the last two years, compiled into one list
Last three months of bank statements
A copy of your real estate agreement
The names and addresses of your landlords over the past two years
Divorce/separation decree
Child support papers
Bankruptcy, discharge of bankruptcy papers
Integrated with KW technology, Keller Mortgage makes for a swift, simplified experience that expedites the process so you can move into your new home, faster. Available exclusively through KW agents like me, you'll enjoy unprecedented savings on time and money.
Working with a Keller Williams agent like me has its perks. Whether this is your first time securing a home loan, or it's your 15th and you're ready for a better alternative, look to Keller Mortgage for a modern-day mortgage solution.
1 2 3 4
The right loan for you
Your dedicated team
Powerful portal for seamless communication
Lock and Shop, Offer Ready programs
When you choose to work with me, you're partnering with a trained agent that has the backing of the world's largest real estate company, consisting of 180,000+ associates around the globe. That puts your search in the hands of the largest, most resourceful real estate network.
And, by choosing to partner with me and the Keller Williams family, you gain access to a suite of technology that keeps you informed and engaged with what's happening in the neighborhoods you're eyeing.
Keller Williams was built on a simple-yet-revolutionary principle: people are what matter most. To help cement this understanding, we've formalized a belief system that guides how we treat each other and how we do business.
or no deal
CUSTOMERS COMMITMENT
COMMUNICATION
CREATIVITY
TEAMWORK
do the right thing always come first in all things seek first to understand ideas before results together everyone achieves more
starts with honesty opportunities for all results through people
Facilitator, negotiator, teacher, cheerleader, confidant - a good agent wears all the hats. In my years with Keller Williams, honing these skills has helped me develop relationships of value.
I've become something of an area expert. Aside from knowing this market inside and out, being involved in the community has shown me what makes it unique. The personalities and the places, the new and the established, the good and that-which-has-seen-better-days - all feed my local knowledge and will help you when decision time comes.
higher on average than market from contract to closing
From the day you partner with me, and even past the day you step foot in your new home, consider me your dedicated real estate adviser. Whatever you need, I have the resources and expertise to guide your decisions. Throughout your transaction, you can come to me for both the little things and the important steps, like comprehensive home insurance and competitive financing - I have the inside edge on both.
After your purchase, ask me to recommend fully vetted service specialists or about how you can care for your home. Further down the road, should you ever want to sell, I’ll be your trusted point person. You’ll always have my number, and I’ll always be ready to spring into action; just say the word!
If you want a fast, responsive and efficient, friendly, pressure free home buying experience I would highly recommend Karen Mai to you. I met Karen through my sister in law who bought a home a few months before me. My sis was very happy with Karen's friendly attitude, quick response and excellent knowledge with everything real estate. After meeting Karen the first time I knew I had to have her when I was ready to buy a home. Fast forward a few months later I needed to snatch a home I called Karen to see a couple of properties I was interested in. She was available the same day everytime any time! I was happy to shop home online and be able to call Karen to see it the same day. There was no hesitation everything was fast and efficient. So efficient in fact that when I finally found the home of my dreams we were almost able to close within 10 days! Unfortunately the seller lagged on their end which was a bummer otherwise this would have been the fastest home sold in history. Thanks to Karen efficiency and speedy responses we were able to have this amazing home buying experience. On top of all this Karen was able to recommend the best loan officer to me who was also her and her company's #1 choice, who turned out to be an absolute beast when it comes to best rates and lightning quick responses. It seems to me Karen Mai got this all figured out. She is a Pro! I'm already looking at future properties and I will be using Karen as my right hand in hunting down new properties. Thank you Karen for being awesome, friendly and making our home buying a wonderful experience!
Nghi, Client since Aug. 2022
Karen is a honest and productive realtor. She helped my family and I to buy a home in San Francisco for a good price during the interest hikes. We closed escrow in 13 days, perfect for my family to move in to celebrate the upcoming holidays. I will definitely tell my friends and families about your great service when they need to buy a home or sell a house. Thank you for all your hard work!
Jian, Client since Nov. 2022
Karen is amazing and patient that I was able to secure my first home. I can't speak highly enough of Karen as my real estate agent, without her advice and guidance I would be lost! Her professional expertise helped me in preparing for my documents. I contacted Karen after I discovered her on realtor.com and read about her experience of 20+ years in the industry. Thank you again Karen!
Kat, Client since Mar. 2022
Karen was very instrumental in my achieving the goal of having my own 'nest'. It was by chance that I found about her when I was looking into what I could possibly afford. She was quick to assist me through the process of buying my own place. Being a first time homeowner, I don't know anything. Thanks to Karen who walked with me every step from pre qualification till I finally got my keys. I could not find anyone that I could trust more and a very reliable person with regards home buying. She left no stone unturned....to the point of following up with the sellers personally. And the whole process took just a month in the midst of covid19 pandemic. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking help to achieve their dream of owning a home. I'm glad to have come across Karen and grateful for all that she did for me to have my own little place...Thanks Karen!
Kat, Client since Aug. 2019
To serve the community as a leader in the real estate industry and as a friend and neighbor
To always do the right thing, even if it isn't what is easiest
To take care of your needs at the highest level through unparalleled professionalism and attention to detail. No request is too small
To serve as a trusted local expert and adviser by your side
To consistently and clearly communicate with you in the manner and frequency that you prefer
To treat you and your family with straightforwardness, integrity, and respect at all times
To answer your questions, ease your concerns, reduce your stress, and expertly handle the entire real estate transaction
To hold myself accountable to finding the perfect home for you - after all, that is what my business is built on
RED Day, which stands for Renew, Energize and Donate, is our annual day of service. Each year on the second Thursday of May, we celebrate RED Day as a part of our legacy worth leaving. Making a difference in the lives of others and bettering the communities that we serve lies at the heart of the Keller Williams culture.
Habitat for Humanity in [city name] embodies a value close to my heart: HOME. It's where the heart is and the more people who have a home, the more our community can thrive. Each year, I join forces with other like-minded folks and contribute what I can to ensure a strong future for the residents of our town.
Habitat for Humanity in [city name] embodies a value close to my heart: HOME. It's where the heart is and the more people who have a home, the more our community can thrive. Each year, I join forces with other like-minded folks and contribute what I can to ensure a strong future for the residents of our town.
COVID-19 doesn't have to impact your search for the perfect home. Below are some of the precautions I am taking to maximize your search results while minimizing your risk.
With my KW App, you can safely search for your next home from the comfort of your current one. Search properties via zip code, neighborhood, or school district and schedule a virtual tour of the ones you love directly in the app!
Want to see a property in person before making an offer? Reach out to schedule a private tour following these social distancing guidelines:
• Maximum of four people per appointment (five including myself)
• General symptoms assessment upon arrival (including temperature check)
• Masks to be worn over the nose and mouth at all times while on property
• Disposable shoe coverings to be worn at all times while inside the house
• Appointments will last no more than an hour
• Majority of discussion will take place in well-ventilated areas
• High-touch surfaces will be disinfected after showing
• All follow-up paperwork will be conducted digitally
All showing requests, offers, and as much of the closing process as possible will be handled digitally. Any necessary in-person interactions will take place in well-ventilated areas following social distancing guidelines.
These safety measures are standard for all transactions, but I am more than happy to honor any additional precautions you have in mind.
At the closing table, my goal is for you to feel that the purchase of your home exceeded all of your expectations, so throughout our interactions – from search to close – I’ll work hard to achieve that goal.
When you choose me as your partner, you are not just getting a trusted, respected agent – you are getting a local expert who is passionate about serving our community and those who call it home.
Let’s get started.
Collective income from everyone in your household before taxes or other deductions are taken, investment income or dividends, Social Security benefits, alimony, and retirement fund withdrawals.
APR
APR refers to the annual percentage rate, which is the interest rate you'll pay expressed as a yearly rate averaged over the full term of the loan. APR includes lender fees in the rate, so it's usually higher than your mortgage interest rate.
A written justification of the price paid for a property, primarily based on an analysis of comparable sales of similar homes nearby.
An opinion of a property's fair market value, based on an appraiser's knowledge, experience, and analysis of the property. Since an appraisal is based primarily on comparable sales, and the most recent sale is the one on the property in question, the appraisal usually comes out at the purchase price.
A document that provides an itemized listing of the funds that were paid or disbursed at closing.
The legal document conveying title to a property.
A cash payment of a percentage of the sales price of the home that buyers pay at closing. Di�erent lenders and loan programs require various down payment amounts such as 3 percent, 5 percent, or 20 percent of the purchase price.
Also known as an escrow deposit, earnest money is a dollar amount buyers put into an escrow account after a seller accepts their o�er. Buyers do this to show the seller that they're entering a real estate transaction in good faith.
Anything that a�ects or limits the fee simple title to a property, such as mortgages, leases, easements, or restrictions.
A homeowner's financial interest in a property. Equity is the di�erence between the fair market value of the property and the amount still owed on its mortgage and other liens.
Generally 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price include lender fees, recording fees, transfer taxes, third-party fees such as title insurance, and prepaids and escrows such as homeowner's insurance, property taxes, and HOA fees.
Putting something of value, like a deed or money, in the custody of a neutral third party until certain conditions are met.
A fee required when you buy a home located within a community with an HOA that typically pays for maintenance and improvements of common areas and may include the use of amenities.
Insurance that provides you with property and liability protection for your property and family from damages from a natural disaster or accident. Lenders usually require borrowers to buy homeowner's insurance.
A contract between a homeowner and a home warranty company that provides for discounted repair and replacement service on a home's major components, such as the furnace, air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical systems.
Part of the closing costs of a home purchase and may include an application fee, attorney fees, and recording fees. The lender's underwriting or origination fee is usually 1 percent of the loan amount.
Mortgages have di�erent terms ranging from 10 to 30 years and are available with fixed or adjustable interest rates. Your lender can discuss down payment, insurance, credit requirements, and other specifics of various loan types.
The minimum payment on credit card debt; auto, student, and personal loan payments; and alimony or child support. Rent or mortgage for a property that you will pay after your home purchase must also be included.
A loan from a bank, credit union, or other financial institution that relies on real estate for collateral. The bank provides money to buy the property, and the borrower agrees to monthly payments until the loan is fully repaid.
Insurance that protects the lender and repays part of the loan if the borrower defaults and the loan can't be fully repaid by a foreclosure sale. Usually required on loans with less than a 20 percent down payment.
Typically imposed by local governments on real property including residential real estate. The tax rate can change annually, and the assessed value of your property is usually recalculated annually.
Prepaids are expenses paid at the closing for bills that are not technically due yet, such as property taxes, homeowner's insurance, mortgage insurance, and HOA fees.
Any closing costs charged by someone other than your lender, typically including fees for an appraisal, a property survey, a title search, owner's and lender's title insurance, and sometimes an attorney.
